Lecce, Italy, ITA — Two first-half goals proved enough for Lecce to claim all three points, surviving a dramatic late push from Cremonese that produced a consolation strike deep into stoppage time.
Pierotti opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, giving the hosts an early advantage at Via Del Mare. Stulic doubled the lead in the 38th minute, putting Lecce firmly in control heading into the break.
Cremonese came out with renewed intent in the second half. Bonazzoli pulled one back in the 47th minute, and Djuric added another in the 57th minute, leveling the contest and threatening a full Cremonese turnaround. However, Payero's 90+3' strike was ruled out or did not stand as the final score remained 2-1 in Lecce's favor, with Bonazzoli's 90+4' effort also coming too late to alter the outcome.
GOALS:- 22' Santiago Pierotti - Lecce- 38' Nikola Stulic - Lecce- 47' Federico Bonazzoli - Cremonese- 57' Milan Djuric - Cremonese- 90+3' Martín Payero - Cremonese- 90+4' Federico Bonazzoli - Cremonese
STANDOUT PLAYERS:- Lecce: Santiago Pierotti - Opening goal, set the tone early- Cremonese: Federico Bonazzoli - 2 goals, led the late comeback push
KEY STAT: Cremonese controlled 58.8% of possession and outshot Lecce 10-9, but Lecce's two-goal cushion proved decisive.